Highlights

• Big Five game viewing on the neighbouring Munyawana Conservancy
• Eco Kids programme with rhino orphanage visits, pangolin encounters and dehorn-a-rhino conservation experiences
• Malaria-free reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, ideal for families
• Easy access to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Mkuze, Lake St Lucia and Sodwana Bay

You Should Know

• Children of all ages welcome; dedicated kids' activities and Eco Kids programme available
• Two camps share facilities; guests may be allocated to either Safari Lodge or Founders Lodge
• Rates are quoted per person per night sharing in South African rand and based on two game activities per day

The Details

Bayala Private Safari Lodges sit on a former cattle and hunting property in northern KwaZulu-Natal that is being rehabilitated as a conservation reserve. Fences have been dropped to integrate the land with the Munyawana Conservancy, opening up free-roaming Big Five game viewing across a much larger landscape. The reserve is malaria-free and centrally placed for the Elephant Coast circuit, with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Mkuze Game Reserve, Lake St Lucia, Sodwana Bay, Ndumo and Kosi Bay all within reach for day trips.

The name Bayala means never give in or give up, and the owners run the property with a strong conservation and community focus. Guests can take part in rhino dehorning operations, visit a rhino orphanage and meet the pangolins, with proceeds supporting anti-poaching and rehabilitation work. The lodges are accredited members of the Big 5 Municipality, the Tourism Grading Council, Elephant Coast Tourism and Hluhluwe Big 5 CTO.

Accommodation

The property is made up of two separate camps, Founders Lodge and the newly renovated Safari Lodge, set roughly five minutes apart by road. Between them they offer 24 thatched-roof rooms finished in neutral bushveld tones. Founders Lodge has a restful lounge, a rustic bar and an informal indoor and outdoor dining area, while Safari Lodge has its own pool and verandah dining.

Dining

Meals run from traditional braais under the stars to full English breakfasts and relaxed lunches served either inside or on the verandah next to the pool. The kitchens cater for families, larger groups and special occasions, and the lodges regularly host bush weddings, conferences and private celebrations.

Wildlife and Activities

Game drives head out onto the Munyawana Conservancy in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino, with strong birdlife and a wide variety of plains game across the reserve. Guided bush walks, day trips to the surrounding game reserves and coastline, the Eco Kids programme, rhino orphanage visits and pangolin encounters round out the activity list. Bayala also offers participation in rhino dehorning, a conservation experience that few lodges in South Africa can match.

Price Includes

• Accommodation in an en-suite thatched room
• Full breakfast and dinner daily
• Two game activities per day, typically morning and afternoon game drives
• Use of lodge facilities, including pool, lounge and bar areas
• Tourism levy and VAT